What makes a rifle truly yours? For many hunters, it’s the connection you feel when you shoulder your favorite firearm. But if your factory stock feels awkward or just doesn’t fit right, that connection breaks. Choosing the perfect Boyds stock for hunting can feel like a maze. You want better accuracy, sure, but you also need durability for tough weather and a look that screams “your rifle.”
Many hunters face the same frustration: a rifle that doesn’t point naturally or bruises the shoulder during a long day in the field. Settling for “good enough” means missing out on potential comfort and precision. We understand that investment matters, and you need to know exactly which material—laminate, pepper, or classic walnut—will perform best when you finally get that perfect shot.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Boyds stocks specifically designed for the rigors of hunting. You will learn how to match the stock shape to your shooting style and budget, ensuring your next rifle build is a massive success. Get ready to transform your firearm from just another rifle into your ultimate hunting partner.
Table of Contents
Top Boyds Stock For Hunting Recommendations
- Kydex Rest, 1/4"-20 Black Oxide Bolts, Anti-Vibration Locking Knobs
- CNC Made, With a Hand Crafted touch.
- For a Perfect Cheek Weld, Improving Accuracy
- Raises from .125" to approximately 1.5"
- Veteran Made - 100% Made in the USA
- Kydex Rest, 1/4"-20 Stainless Steel Bolts, Anti-Vibration Locking Knobs
- CNC Made, With a Hand Crafted touch.
- For a Perfect Cheek Weld, Improving Accuracy
- Raises from .125" to approximately 1.5"
- Veteran Made - 100% Made in the USA
- Boyd Hunt (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 367 Pages - 01/01/2001 (Publication Date) - Wipf and Stock Publishers (Publisher)
- Kydex Rest, 1/4"-20 Stainless Steel Bolts, Anti-Vibration Locking Knobs
- CNC Made, With a Hand Crafted touch.
- For a Perfect Cheek Weld, Improving Accuracy
- Raises from .125" to approximately 1.5"
- Veteran Made - 100% Made in the USA
- Designed as a cost-effective upgrade for Ruger American Predator and Ranch rifle models equipped with a STANAG mag compatible stock
- Compatible with Ruger American Predator and Ranch models equipped with a STANAG mag compatible stock from the factory and barrel profiles up to a medium palma
- Constructed of reinforced polymer and an anodized aluminum bedding block with steel recoil lugs; Requires no gunsmithing and is a true drop-in solution for Ruger American Predator and Ruger American Ranch rifles
- Features M-LOK slots to accept a broad range of accessories to enhance your shooting experience
- Includes our Bolt Action Mag Well – Hunter American, STANAG (MAG1208) for reliable STANAG mag compatibility
- Hardcover Book
- Boyd, Stephen B (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 130 Pages - 11/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Wipf and Stock (Publisher)
- TURKEY HUNTING CHOKE TUBES - The Undertaker XT turkey choke tubes are designed to deliver maximum impact at any distance; This Lead only choke tube features blued finish and a 3-inch long tube; Knurled end provides easy hand installation and removal without a wrench
- SPECIFICATIONS - The Undertaker XT Lead Based Ported Turkey Choke Tube from Hunters Specialties works with lead and copper plated lead loads in 12 gauge shotguns; Shot Sizes are 4, 5, 6
- COMPATIBILITY - The Strut Undertaker XT Lead Only Ported Choke Tubes fit all 2-3/4", 3" and 3-1/2" guns; Compatible with Beretta Mobil, Benelli, Franchi, Traditions ALS 2100, Stoeger, Gazells
- NOTE - Choke and shot size performance will vary depending on ammunition, target distance and hunting conditions; The only way to really know what kind of pattern you are getting from each choke tube and ammo is to "pattern test"
- HUNTERS SPECIALTIES - They say a craftsman is only as good as his tools; We believe the same holds true for hunters; That's why we make purpose-driven hunting tools that stand up to any conditions and are guaranteed to work when you need them to; No gimmicks
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Hunt, Roger (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 184 Pages - 07/25/2019 (Publication Date) - RIBA Publishing (Publisher)
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Boyds Stock for Hunting
A good rifle stock makes a big difference when you are hunting. Boyds Stocks are very popular. They offer strong wood and synthetic options. This guide helps you pick the right one for your next hunting trip.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a Boyds stock, check these important parts first.
1. Action Type Compatibility
- Inletting: Make sure the stock fits your rifle’s action perfectly. Boyds sells stocks inletted for specific actions (like Remington 700, Savage, etc.). A good fit means better accuracy.
- Barrel Channel: Check if the barrel channel matches your barrel’s contour (slim, medium, or heavy). A tight fit around a heavy barrel can hurt accuracy.
2. Stock Style and Shape
- Classic vs. Thumbhole: Classic stocks are traditional. Thumbhole stocks offer a very firm grip, which some hunters prefer for long-range shooting.
- Cheek Piece: Does it have an adjustable or fixed cheek piece? This helps you line up your eye with the scope correctly.
3. Length of Pull (LOP)
LOP is the distance from the buttpad to the trigger. It must fit your arm length. Most Boyds stocks are semi-finished, so you might need to adjust the LOP yourself or have a gunsmith do it.
Important Materials Used in Boyds Stocks
Boyds mainly uses two types of materials. Both are strong, but they feel different.
Laminate Wood (The Most Popular Choice)
Boyds makes their wood stocks from laminated hardwood layers. These layers are glued together under high pressure. This process makes the wood very stable. It resists warping from rain or temperature changes better than standard wood.
Synthetic (Polymer)
Boyds also makes stocks from strong synthetic materials. These stocks are generally lighter than wood. They are completely waterproof. They are a great choice if you hunt in very wet or snowy conditions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your stock affects how well you shoot. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Enhancers:
- Bedding Block System: Some high-end Boyds stocks include aluminum bedding blocks. These blocks fit tightly around the action. They greatly increase accuracy and stock stiffness.
- Pillar Bedding: Pillars are metal tubes inserted into the stock around the action screws. They prevent you from crushing the wood when you tighten the screws. This keeps the action secure.
Quality Reducers (Things to Watch Out For):
- Inletting Precision: If the inletting (the cutout for the action) is sloppy, the rifle will move slightly when fired. This ruins accuracy. Always check reviews about how well the specific model fits your rifle.
- Finish Quality: A poor finish on a wood stock will let moisture seep in over time. A good finish protects the wood from the weather.
User Experience and Hunting Use Cases
How you plan to use the rifle matters when selecting a stock.
For Still Hunting (Waiting in a Stand):
Heavier laminate stocks work well here. The weight helps keep the rifle steady when you take a careful shot. A classic design is comfortable for long waits.
For Backcountry and Mountain Hunting:
Weight is your enemy when climbing mountains. Look for a synthetic stock or a lighter laminate option. A shorter LOP can sometimes make carrying the rifle easier.
For Long-Range Precision Shooting:
A thumbhole stock with an adjustable cheek piece is often best. This setup allows the shooter to get a perfect cheek weld for consistent scope alignment, shot after shot.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Boyds Hunting Stocks
Q: Are Boyds stocks pre-finished?
A: Most Boyds stocks come “semi-finished.” This means the basic shape is done. You must sand, stain (if wood), and apply the final finish yourself. Some models come ready to drop in, but check the description carefully.
Q: Do I need a gunsmith to install a Boyds stock?
A: For basic drop-in models, sometimes you can do it yourself. However, for best results, especially concerning bedding and pillar installation, hiring a gunsmith is recommended. They ensure perfect alignment.
Q: Is a laminate wood stock heavier than a synthetic stock?
A: Yes, generally, the dense laminated wood is heavier than Boyds’ specialized synthetic material. If low weight is critical for carrying long distances, choose synthetic.
Q: How do I protect a wood Boyds stock from rain?
A: You must apply a good quality exterior finish, like spar varnish or quality gun stock oil, to all exposed surfaces, especially the raw wood inside the barrel channel and action area.
Q: What is “inletting”?
A: Inletting is the precise shaping of the inside of the stock so the rifle’s metal parts (the action and barrel) fit snugly and correctly.
Q: Can I use a Boyds stock with a bull barrel?
A: You must choose a stock specifically inletted for a “heavy” or “Varmint” barrel contour. Standard stocks are only made for slim factory barrels.
Q: Are Boyds stocks stronger than factory plastic stocks?
A: Yes. Both the laminate wood and the synthetic Boyds stocks are significantly stiffer and more durable than most factory plastic stocks.
Q: What is the benefit of a thumbhole stock for hunting?
A: A thumbhole offers a very secure, ergonomic grip. This helps reduce muscle strain and allows for steadier trigger pulls, which improves accuracy.
Q: Do Boyds stocks come with a recoil pad?
A: Most do not come with a recoil pad installed. You usually purchase a separate buttpad and then fit or attach it to the end of the stock.
Q: How long does it take to finish a wood Boyds stock?
A: If you are patient, sanding and applying several coats of finish can take anywhere from a few days to a week, allowing proper drying time between coats.